1.
GV Hong Kong harbour
4 ft

2.
GV Hong Kong business district
7 ft

3.
Rates in money-changer's window (3 shots)
21 ft

4.
Sign; MONEY CHANGER
23 ft

5.
Looking into money-changer's shop
25 ft

6.
Counting US dollars, marks and HK dollars
39 ft

7.
GV Hongkong airport
41 ft

8.
Travellers exchanging money
49 ft



Initials ends/jt/v/ac



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: With the European money crisis causing confusion in the world's financial capitals, no such thing was happening in Hong Kong. This is because the British colony is a free money area and therefore accustomed to fluctuating rates.

Banks and money-changers reported business as usual today (Monday), although some firms were refusing to sell the West German mark - apparently waiting for it to find its real value when it is floated on the European market today.

However, all dealers were eagerly buying the mark. The price was only a fraction above the rate before West Germany decided to float its hard-pressed currency.

While the banks and money-changers took the crisis in their stride, it was a different story for Hong Kong businessmen. Many transactions between Hong Kong and the Common Market countries have been halted until the financial situation becomes clearer.